Thanks to all of you for your valued info which helped me to plan our China trip. We were due to leave this week. Due to an illness in the family, we had to cancel. I was hoping to contribute to the forum once we returned and learned a few things first hand, but...
Thinking about rescheduling for next summer. What do you all think of going right before the Olympics in 2006? We were hoping for June again. Massive crowds? Maybe better sanitary conditions since they are prepping for the Olympics?
Thanks again!!

Olympics is 2008. You'll be fine going next summer.

Thanks, rkkwan. You are right. My bad. The stress of family illnesses is taking it's toll on me.

Thanks, rkkwan for all your answers and to everyone else too!

I'm sorry to hear of your family illness. Do plan the trip for next year!

Thanks, Kathy!!

I'm also sorry to hear about your family illness. Hope you can make it next year!

Thanks, Patty. Sorry to misspell your name, Kathie. Many thanks!

Good luck to you & your family! Knock on wood, I will be there in September and report back.

Hi, Qimbymoy,

We're going to be in China in September also. What's your itinerary?

hi marija,

we are going to beijing (3 days) , xi'an (2), guilin (2), suzhou (1) & shanghai (3). leaving 9/17, returning 10/1. when & where are you going?

tina

Hi, Tina,

Unfortunately it looks like our paths won't cross. We're leaving August 31st and returning September 21st (Beijing (5), Xian (1), Chongqing/Dazu (1), Yangtze cruise (3), Shangai (3), Hangzhou(2), Guilin (2), Hong Kong (3).) Hope you have a great trip!

Our available time to go to China next summer would be middle of June to middle of Aug. I heard that July is VERY, VERY hot and also rainy. That's why I tried to go the last 2 weeks of June this year. Would you all agree that is the best time to go from the months I'm available?

lostinchina- if that range is the only time you could go, then i would go in june. i remember going to asia in july 20 years ago and it was a scorcher.

marija, too bad we'll miss each other! have a great trip as well and look forward to your report ;-)

tina

Thanks, Tina!